JP2016083179A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an execution of a fraudulent command by a fraudulent board disposed between a main board and a sub board.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a main board for performing processing related to games and a sub board for performing processing related to presentations on the basis of commands from the main board. In the game machine where commands are transmitted from the main board to the sub board, a duration time of no reception signal in the sub board is compared to a predetermined threshold value, and if the duration time becomes longer than the threshold value, a command is read out to check the length of the command. If the length of the command is different from a predetermined reference length, the command is cancelled. A fraudulent command is combined to an earlier or later command, and as the result cancelled. In this way, a fraudulent command can be prevented from being handled like a legitimate command in the sub board.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine that sends a command from a main board to a sub board.

  A gaming machine such as a slot machine is provided with a medal slot so that a player can enjoy a game by inserting a predetermined number of medals. The medals necessary for the game can be borrowed with a medal lending machine provided in the game hall, and the game can be started by inserting it into the medal slot of a desired gaming machine.

The operation of the conventional gaming machine was as follows.
First, when the start switch is operated, the start switch is turned on. In response to this, a lottery process is performed by the winning determination means inside the gaming machine. Here, when a predetermined combination is won, a winning flag is set. The rotation of the rotating reel starts. When the stop button is operated, the stop button is turned on. Then, the rotation of the corresponding rotating cylinder stops. After the stop buttons corresponding to all the spinning cylinders are operated, whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the winning flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the winning flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed Is determined. When it is determined that the winning is confirmed, a medal corresponding to the winning symbol is paid out.

  For example, when the evaluation of the lottery process is out of place, it is set so that the predetermined symbols are not aligned (so-called kicking), and when winning, the predetermined symbols are aligned on the condition that the stop button is pressed at a predetermined timing. (So-called pull-in). In other words, only when winning in the lottery process, medals are paid out by winning a winning pattern under the predetermined conditions, but when not winning, medals are paid out no matter how the stop button is operated. There is no. This is to keep the medal payout at a certain probability. In order to realize this, a random number generator is used in the lottery process.

JP, 2013-52286, A When there is no command data which should be transmitted from a main control circuit to a sub control circuit, no operation command data which is regular command data is transmitted to an effect control means. Since regular command data is always transmitted, fake command data is prevented from being transmitted illegally, and a fake command data is prevented from giving a notice effect advantageous to the player.

  In the above gaming machine, when a predetermined winning combination is won, a specific symbol combination is displayed by performing a stop operation in the correct pressing order, and a replay is performed based on the display of this specific symbol combination. Is in a state of winning with a high probability and in a state of notifying the winning combination in this state (notification of batting order, details will be described later).

  In the state in which the batting order is notified, the probability that the winning combination becomes “losing” is reduced as compared with the general gaming state, and in particular, the probability that the winning combination (small role) related to the payout of medals is increased. In this state, since the medals to be paid out can be increased, the player's interest is enhanced at the same time as the bonus, and the gameability is enhanced.

  Also, in the above gaming machine, if a specific winning combination is won during BB operation, when the above-mentioned predetermined winning combination is won in the general gaming state after the end of BB, the correct push order is notified. It is supposed to be. This notification is performed by the sub-board that has received the command from the main board as described above.

  In the conventional gaming machine, when there is no command to be transmitted from the main board to the sub board, command transmission is not performed. At this point, there is a case where a so-called goto action is performed in which the data transmission path from the main board to the sub board is illegally accessed and the notification is illegally performed.

  Specifically, an unauthorized board is connected to a transmission path for sending a command from the main board to the sub board. For example, even if the player does not win a specific winning role during BB operation, By transmitting information that a specific winning combination has been won, the above notification is illegally performed.

  In order to prevent the above-described fraud, when there is no command data to be transmitted from the main board to the sub-board, Patent Document 1 transmits no-operation command data, which is regular command data, to the effect control means. Ensure that command data is sent. This eliminates the opportunity to send illegal command data.

  In Patent Document 1, non-operation command data transmitted when there is no command data is regular command data, and there is no difference in the command configuration. According to the description in paragraphs 0156 to 0158 of Patent Document 1, the command data and the no-operation command data are configured by 8 data each consisting of 1 byte, and one packet is configured by these 8 data. There are ten types of “command types”, “01H” to “10H”, and “10H” corresponds to a no-operation command.

  According to Patent Document 1, it is possible to prevent unauthorized transmission of command data, but there are the following problems.

(1) Since no-operation command data is also regular command data, the number of regular commands is reduced. In the above example, it should be possible to define 10 types of commands, but it is reduced by the amount of no-operation commands and only 9 types of commands can be defined.

(2) To determine whether the receiving side (sub-board) is regular command data or no-operation command data, the contents of the command data must be analyzed. In this case, the same processing as that of the regular command data is applied to the non-operation command data to be discarded, and the processing becomes complicated and the processing load of the CPU increases.

  Non-operation command data is a meaningless command, and it is desirable to avoid sending such meaningless commands if possible. The problem is that invalid command data is inserted in the gap between commands, but depending on the size of the gap, invalid command may be invalidated in the processing on the receiving side without sending no-operation command data. Is possible.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can invalidate the illegal command data by processing on the receiving side.

The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a main board that performs processing related to a game, and a sub-board that performs processing related to effects based on a command from the main board.
A command for causing the sub-board to perform a predetermined process is transmitted from the main board to the sub-board.
The length of the command is predetermined (hereinafter, the length of the command for causing the sub-substrate to perform a predetermined process is referred to as “reference length”),
The main board is
A command transmission unit that transmits the command to the sub-board at a predetermined interval;
The sub-board is
A command receiver for receiving the command received from the main board;
A reception buffer for storing the command received by the command receiver;
A command analysis unit that reads and analyzes the command from the reception buffer and causes the sub-board to perform a predetermined process;
The command reception unit checks the reception status of the command, stores the command in the reception buffer when the command is received, and outputs a signal indicating no reception when the command is not received,
The command analysis unit
When the non-reception signal is received from the command receiving unit, the period during which the non-reception signal continues (hereinafter referred to as “duration”) is compared with a predetermined threshold value,
When the duration is equal to or longer than the threshold, examine the length of the command;
When the length of the command matches a predetermined reference length, the command is analyzed to cause the sub-board to perform a predetermined process,
When the length of the command is different from a predetermined reference length, the command is discarded.

For example,
The minimum value of the command reception interval is the minimum reception interval, and the maximum value is the maximum reception interval.
The time required to receive the command is the command reception time,
(Threshold) <(minimum reception interval) − (command reception time),
And,
(Threshold)> (Maximum reception interval) / 2− (Command reception time)
The threshold is determined so that

For example,
The command transmission unit executes the command transmission process at a timing that occurs at a predetermined interval.
Suppose that the command reception interval is substantially constant,
The time required to receive the command is the command reception time,
(Threshold value) <(reception interval) − (command reception time),
And,
(Threshold)> (Reception interval) / 2- (Command reception time)
The threshold is determined so that

The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a main board that performs processing related to a game, and a sub-board that performs processing related to effects based on a command from the main board.
A command for causing the sub-board to perform a predetermined process is transmitted from the main board to the sub-board.
The length of the command is predetermined (hereinafter, the length of the command for causing the sub-substrate to perform a predetermined process is referred to as “reference length”),
The main board is
A command transmission unit that transmits the command to the sub-board at a predetermined interval;
The sub-board is
A command receiver for receiving the command received from the main board;
A reception buffer for storing the command received by the command receiver;
A command analysis unit that reads and analyzes the command from the reception buffer and causes the sub-board to perform a predetermined process;
The command reception unit checks the reception status of the command, stores the command in the reception buffer when the command is received, and outputs a signal indicating no reception when the command is not received,
The command analysis unit
It is determined whether or not the non-reception signal has been received from the command reception unit at a command reception check timing at a predetermined interval, and the number of times that the non-reception has been determined is counted continuously. Compare no-recess times ”) with a predetermined number threshold,
When the non-reception continuation count is equal to or greater than the count threshold, check the length of the command,
When the length of the command matches a predetermined reference length, the command is analyzed to cause the sub-board to perform a predetermined process,
When the length of the command is different from a predetermined reference length, the command is discarded.

For example,
The minimum value of the command reception interval is the minimum reception interval, and the maximum value is the maximum reception interval.
The time required to receive the command is the command reception time,
(Threshold) <(minimum reception interval) − (command reception time),
And,
(Threshold)> (Maximum reception interval) / 2− (Command reception time)
The quotient when the threshold is divided by the command reception check timing interval is defined as the number-of-times threshold.

For example,
The command transmission unit executes the command transmission process at a timing that occurs at a predetermined interval.
Suppose that the command reception interval is substantially constant,
The time required to receive the command is the command reception time,
(Threshold value) <(reception interval) − (command reception time),
And,
(Threshold)> (Reception interval) / 2- (Command reception time)
The quotient when the threshold is divided by the command reception check timing interval is defined as the number-of-times threshold.

A dummy command that does not cause the sub-board to perform any processing is transmitted from the main board to the sub-board together with the command for performing a predetermined process (“regular command” in this section). ,
The length of the dummy command is shorter than the length of the regular command,
The command transmission unit of the main board is
When the regular command to be transmitted exists, the regular command is transmitted to the sub-board,
When there is no regular command to be transmitted, the dummy command may be transmitted to the sub-board.

  The dummy command can make the command reception interval substantially constant.

The command transmission unit executes the command transmission process at a timing that occurs at a predetermined interval.
The main board is provided with a prohibition section for prohibiting the transmission of the command when returning from a power-off.
The command transmission unit may execute the command transmission process at the second and subsequent timings without executing the command transmission process at the first timing after the prohibition period ends.

Or
The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a main board that performs processing related to a game, and a sub-board that performs processing related to effects based on a command from the main board.
A command for causing the sub-board to perform a predetermined process is transmitted from the main board to the sub-board.
The main board includes a command transmission unit that transmits the command to the sub-board,
The sub-board includes a command receiving unit that receives the command, analyzes the command, and causes the sub-board to perform a predetermined process.
The command transmission unit executes the command transmission process at a timing that occurs at a predetermined interval.
The main board is provided with a prohibition section for prohibiting the transmission of the command when returning from a power-off.
The command transmission unit does not execute the command transmission process at the first timing after the end of the prohibited section, and executes the command transmission process at the second and subsequent timings.

Or
The main board includes a ring buffer for storing the regular command,
The command transmission unit reads out the stored content at a predetermined position of the ring buffer and generates the dummy command based on the stored content.

Or
The main board executes a setting change process for changing a setting related to a process related to a game, and the contents of the ring buffer are cleared by the setting change process,
The command transmission unit generates the dummy command when the regular command is stored in the ring buffer after the setting change process.

  According to the present invention, the sub-board compares the duration of the signal without reception with a predetermined threshold, reads the command when the duration is longer than the threshold, and examines the length of the command. Since the command is discarded when the length of the command is different from a predetermined reference length, an invalid command is combined with a command before or after the command, and is discarded as a result. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an illegal command from being treated like a regular command on the sub-board.

It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which closed the front door. It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which opened the front door. It is a block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart of the gaming process of the slot machine. It is a hardware block diagram of the main board of a slot machine. It is a block diagram of a main board (only a part about command transmission processing is shown). It is explanatory drawing of a command buffer. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of a command (regular command) structure, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of a dummy command structure according to the embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart of the command transmission process (interrupt process) which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a timing chart of command transmission processing (interrupt processing) of the main board. It is a block diagram of a sub board | substrate (only the part regarding command reception processing is shown). It is a process flowchart of the command receiving part which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of the command confirmation process of the command analysis part which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a process flowchart of the command analysis part which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a timing chart about command transmission and command reception concerning an embodiment of the invention (when there is no illegal command). It is a timing chart about command transmission and command reception concerning an embodiment of the invention (when there is an illegal command). 17A is an explanatory diagram (timing chart) of the maximum value of GAP2 (threshold value) at the minimum reception interval, and FIG. 17B is an explanatory diagram (timing chart) of the minimum value of GAP2 (threshold value) at the maximum reception interval. is there. It is a timing chart of the command transmission process (interrupt process) of the main board at the time of power-on (comparative example). It is a timing chart of the command transmission process (interrupt process) of the main board | substrate at the time of power activation based on embodiment of invention.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door opened 180 degrees.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 100 can be opened and closed by a hinge or the like on the slot machine main body 120 and one side of the front surface of the slot machine main body 120. And a front door 130 attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 1, a game display unit 131 is provided substantially in the center of the front door 130, and a medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided at the lower right corner of the game display unit 131. Provided below the medal insertion slot 132 is a reject button 133 for forcibly discharging a clogged medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132 to the outside of the slot machine 100.

  A start switch 134 for starting a game is provided at the lower left of the game display unit 131, and three stop buttons 140 are provided corresponding to the three spinning cylinders. A medal payout port 135 is provided at the center of the lower end of the front door. A liquid crystal display device LCD is provided above the game display unit 131.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine main body 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals at a payout port 135 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. A hopper device 121 for paying out the sheets one by one is installed. An upper portion of the hopper device 121 is provided with a hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a plurality of medals therein. Inside the slot machine main body 120, a reel (rotating cylinder) unit 203 including three rotating cylinders is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the front door 130 is closed. The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders (first to third drums) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface. The game display unit 131 is provided with an opening through which the player can see the symbols of the rotating drums of the reel unit 203. A power supply unit 205 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 121.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medal (coin) selector 1 is attached to the back side of the front door 130 on the back side of the medal slot 132 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. This medal selector 1 rolls the medal toward the hopper device 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal or iron or iron whose outer diameter is different from the predetermined dimension. This is an apparatus for selecting and removing illegal medals made of an alloy and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number or more of medals that can be inserted per game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side and communicates with the payout port 135 of the front door 130 is provided below the medal selector 1. The medals distributed by the medal selector 1 are returned to the player from the payout port 135 via the derivation path 136.

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the slot machine 100 according to the embodiment of the invention.
In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. Although not shown, the slot machine includes a power supply unit for generating a DC power supply (+5 V or the like) from a commercial power supply (AC 100 V).

  The slot machine 100 includes a main substrate (processing unit) 10 and a sub substrate 20 that operates in response to a command from the main substrate (processing unit) 10 as main processing devices. At least the main substrate 10 is accommodated inside the case so that it cannot be contacted from the outside, and is sealed so that traces remain when these substrates are removed.

  The main board 10 is for performing an internal lottery in response to a player's operation, and performing processing (game processing) such as reel rotation / stop and medal payout. The main board 10 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  The sub board 20 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 10 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 20 includes a CPU that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  An operation performed by the sub-board 20 based on the command signal includes a batting order notification. The batting order notification is based on the fact that when a predetermined winning combination is won in a gaming machine, a specific symbol combination is displayed by performing a stop operation in the correct pressing order, and this specific symbol combination is displayed. In this state, the replay is won with a high probability and the winning combination is notified in this state.

  The batting order notification is, for example, as follows.

  The winning area (area on the memory) selected in the internal lottery performed by the main board has an area where multiple small roles are won simultaneously. When that area is won, the stop operation is performed in the correct hit order. As a result, among the multiple winning small prizes, the winning small paying prize will be awarded. Usually, since the player does not know the correct hit order, the player cannot stop in the correct hit order, and cannot obtain a profit due to winning a small role with a high payout. Therefore, in order to notify the correct hit order in a predetermined case, information (command) that a specific winning combination is won is sent from the main board to the sub board. Based on this, the sub-board informs the player of the correct hit order of the area won by the internal lottery as a notice that is advantageous to the player, so that the player performs a stop operation in the correct hit order and gains from winning a small role with high dividend Can be obtained.

  Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.

  The main board 10 is paid out from a bet switch BET, a start switch 134, a stop button 140, a reel unit (including a reel driving device) 203, a reel position detection circuit 71, a hopper driving unit 80, a hopper 81 and a hopper 81. A medal detection unit 82 for counting the number of medals (these constitute the hopper device 121 described above) is connected. A peripheral substrate (device control substrate) such as a liquid crystal control substrate 200 for controlling the liquid crystal display device, a speaker substrate 201, and an LED substrate 202 is connected to the sub substrate 20. The peripheral board is controlled by the sub-board 20 and produces effects mainly by video, light, and sound.

  Further, medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1 are connected to the main board 10.

  The medal selector 1 is provided with medal sensors S1 and S2 for counting medals. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are provided on the downstream side (near the exit) of a medal passage (not shown) provided in the medal selector 1 (the upstream side of the medal passage communicates with the medal slot 132). The two medal sensors S1 and S2 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the medal traveling direction. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are, for example, photointerrupters that have a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that face each other, are formed in a U-shaped cross section, and are positioned so that the detection optical axis faces the medal passage from above. . Each photo interrupter detects the passage of a medal sent without being blocked on the way. The reason why two photo interrupters are adjacent is not only to detect the number of medals but also to monitor whether or not the passage of medals is normal. That is, by providing two photo interrupters adjacent to each other, it is possible to detect the passing speed and passing direction of medals, thereby detecting not only the number of medals but also an illegal act moving in the reverse direction.

  The hopper driving unit 80 rotates the hopper 81 and performs an operation of paying out medals of the payout number instructed by the main board 10. The gaming machine includes a medal detection unit 82 that operates every time a medal is paid out, and the main board 10 receives a medal actually paid out from the hopper 81 based on an input signal from the medal detection unit 82. You can manage the number.

  The insertion accepting means 1050 receives the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1, accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and based on the fact that medals corresponding to the prescribed number of insertions have been inserted, A process of permitting the rotation start operation of the first reel to the third reel is performed. Note that the pressing operation of the start switch 134 is an opportunity to start rotation of the first reel to the third reel and an opportunity to execute the internal lottery. Also, a prescribed number of throws is set according to the gaming state, the prescribed number of throws is set to 3 in the normal state and the bonus established state, and the prescribed number of throws is set to 1 in the bonus state.

  When medals are inserted, the inserted medals are set to the inserted state up to a specified number of insertions according to the gaming state. Alternatively, when the bet switch BET is pressed in a state where medals have been credited to the gaming machine, the credited medals are set to the inserted state by limiting the prescribed number of insertions according to the gaming state. The main board 10 controls whether or not to accept a medal. When it is not in a state of accepting insertion of medals (when not permitted), even if medals are inserted, they are not counted by the medal sensors S1 and S2 and are returned as they are. Similarly, the main board 10 controls the validity / invalidity of the bet switch BET. When the bet switch BET is not valid (when not permitted), even if the bet switch BET is pressed, it is ignored.

  The main board 10 incorporates random number generating means 1100. The random number generation means 1100 is a means for generating a random number for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, a count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the “random number value” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. Includes a value that can function as a random number.

  The internal lottery means 1200 performs an internal lottery in which the player determines whether or not the winning combination is based on a start signal from the start switch 134. That is, a lottery table selection process for selecting a lottery table (not shown) stored in a memory (not shown) of the main board 10, a random number determination process for determining the winning of a random number obtained from the random number generating means 1100, The lottery flag setting process for setting a flag to that effect when a big win or the like is won by the determination result is performed.

  In the lottery table selection process, a lottery table (not shown) stored in a storage unit (ROM) (not shown) is used to determine which lottery table is used for internal lottery. In the lottery table, for each of a plurality of random values (for example, 65536 random values from 0 to 65535), replay, small role (bell, cherry), regular bonus (RB: bonus), and big bonus (BB :), etc., are associated with each other. In addition, a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state can be set as the gaming state, and a replay lottery state, a replay low probability state, and a replay high probability state can be set as replay lottery states.

  In the random number determination process, a random value (lottery random number) is acquired from the random number generation means (not shown) for each game based on a start signal from the start switch 134, and the lottery table is referred to for the acquired random value. Then, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is won.

  In the lottery flag setting process, the lottery flag of the winning combination determined to be won based on the result of the random number determination process is changed from the non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to the winning state (second flag state, on Status). When two or more types of winning combinations are won, a lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more types of winning winning combinations is set to the winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in storage means (RAM).

  A lottery flag (possible carryover flag) that can carry over the winning state for the next game until winning, and a lottery flag that is reset to the non-winning state without bringing the winning state to the next game regardless of winning Carry-over impossible flag) may be provided. In this case, there are a regular bonus (RB) and a big bonus (BB) as a combination to which the former carry-over possible flag is associated, and other combinations (for example, small role, replay) correspond to the latter carry-over impossible flag. It is attached. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, when a regular bonus is won by internal lottery, the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over until the regular bonus is won, and when the big bonus is won by internal lottery, the big bonus lottery A process of carrying over the winning state of the flag until the big bonus is won is performed. At this time, the main board 10 determines whether or not a role other than the regular bonus and the big bonus (small role and replay) is used even in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus or big bonus lottery flag is carried over by the internal lottery function. An internal lottery is performed. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over, if a small role or replay is won in the internal lottery, the regular bonus lottery flag and the internal lottery already won In a game in which the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of winning combinations or replay lottery flags won in the win state are set to the winning state and the winning state of the big bonus lottery flag is carried over, it is small in the internal lottery When a winning combination or replay is won, a lottery flag corresponding to two or more kinds of winning combinations including a big bonus lottery flag that has already been won and a small bonus or replay lottery flag that has been won in an internal lottery is set to a winning state. Set.

  The replay processing unit 1600 may perform control to change the winning probability of replay in the internal lottery under a predetermined condition. The replay processing unit 1600 will be described later again. The replay lottery states include a replay no lottery state in which replay is excluded from the internal lottery, a replay low probability state in which the replay winning probability is set to about 1 / 7.3, and a replay winning probability of about 1 / A plurality of lottery states such as a high replay probability state set to 6 can be set. By changing the replay lottery state, the winning probability of the replay in the internal lottery is changed.

  The reel control means 1300 rotates the first to third reels by a stepping motor based on a start signal generated by the player pressing the start switch 134 (rotation start operation), and the first to third reels are driven. Control that permits the pressing operation (stop operation) of the three stop buttons 140 respectively corresponding to the rotating reels in a state in which the rotation speed of the motor reaches a predetermined speed (about 80 rpm: a rotation speed of about 80 rotations per minute). And a control to stop the first reel to the third reel, which are rotationally driven by the stepping motor, according to the lottery flag setting state (result of the internal lottery).

  In addition, the reel control means 1300 receives the reel stop signal when the player presses the three stop buttons 140 in a state where the pressing operation (stop operation) with respect to the three stop buttons 140 is permitted (validated). Based on this, by stopping the supply of drive pulses (motor drive signals) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 203, control is performed to stop each of the first to third reels.

  That is, the reel control means 1300 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the pressed button among the first to third reels each time the three stop buttons 140 are pressed. The reel is stopped at the stop position. Specifically, referring to a stop control table (not shown) stored in the storage means (ROM), the first reel according to the pressing timing, pressing order, etc. (stop operation mode) of the three stop buttons. The stop position of the third reel is determined, and the first reel to the third reel are stopped at the determined stop position.

  Here, in the stop control table, the position of the first reel to the third reel (press detection position) at the time when the stop button 140 is operated and the actual stop position (or the slip from the press detection position) of the first reel to the third reel. (Number of frames) is set. Depending on the setting state of the lottery flag, a stop control table for determining the stop positions of the first reel to the third reel may be prepared.

  In the gaming machine, the reel unit 203 includes a reel index (not shown) made of a photosensor, and the reel control means 1300 is based on a reference position signal detected by the reel index every time the reel rotates once. By determining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation axis of the step motor) from the reel reference position (the frame detected by the reel index), the current rotation state of the reel can be monitored. . That is, the main board 10 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop button 140 is operated by determining the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel.

  The reel control means 1300 performs so-called pull-in processing and kick-out processing as control for stopping the reel. The pull-in process is a control process for stopping the reel so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose lottery flag is set to the winning state is stopped on the winning determination line (so that the winning combination can be won). It is. On the other hand, the kicking process means that the reel corresponding to the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state does not stop on the valid winning determination line (so that the non-winning combination cannot be won) This is a control process to be stopped. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the lottery flag setting state, the stop button 140 pressing timing, the pressing order, and the stop position of the reels that have already stopped (types of display symbols) in order to realize the pull-in processing and kicking processing. ) Etc., the stop control table is set so that the stop position of each reel changes. In this way, the main board 10 can stop the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the winning state in a winning form, while the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state is in the winning form. Control is performed to stop the first reel to the third reel so as not to stop.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first to third reels are set to a control state in which the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop button 140 is pressed. ing. That is, in the stop control table for determining the stop position of each rotating reel, the number of frames required from when the stop button 140 is pressed until each reel stops is in the range of 0 to 4 frames (predetermined pull-in range). Is set in

  The winning determination means 1400 performs a process of determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stop mode of the first reel to the third reel. Specifically, referring to the winning determination table stored in the storage means (ROM), the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line when all of the first reel to the third reel are stopped, It is determined whether or not it is a predetermined winning combination.

  The winning determination means 1400 executes a winning process based on the determination result. As a process at the time of winning a prize, for example, when a small role wins, the hopper 81 is driven to perform a medal payout control process, or a credit is increased (a predetermined maximum number is increased to 50, for example, When the replay is won, a replay process is performed. When a big bonus or a regular bonus is won, a game state transition control process for shifting the game state is performed.

  The payout control means 1500 performs payout control processing relating to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small combination wins, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on a payout predetermined for each combination, and the medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are determined by the hopper driving unit 80. Then, the hopper 81 is driven to pay out. At this time, a current flows through a motor (not shown) built in the hopper 81.

  When medal credits (internal storage) are permitted, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper 81, the number of credits stored in a credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means (RAM) (not shown) A credit addition process for adding the number of payouts to the number of credited medals is performed to virtually pay out medals.

  When the replay is won, the replay processing means 1600 performs a replay process (regame process) for setting the same preparatory state as the previous game without requiring insertion of medals owned by the player for the next game. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the previous game is automatically set to the insertion state without using the player's own medals (including credit medals). The game machine is set in a state of waiting for a rotation start operation (pressing operation of the start switch 134 by the player) in the next game in a state where the same winning determination line as the previous game is validated.

  Further, the main board 10 may perform control to shift the gaming state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state (gaming state transition control function). As the game condition transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are established, transitioning the gaming state to another gaming state based on the fact that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied or all of the plurality of conditions are satisfied Can do.

  The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and a transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state is possible. The bonus establishment state is a gaming state that shifts when a big bonus or a regular bonus is won in the internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, when the big bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus is won, and the regular bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state Until the regular bonus is won, the lottery flag corresponding to the regular bonus is maintained in the winning state. In the bonus state, it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out by the bonus game, and medals exceeding a predetermined payout limit number are paid out according to the type of bonus won. The bonus state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the normal state.

  The reel unit 203 includes three reels (not shown), and one stepping motor is attached to each of the three reels. A stepping motor includes a gear-shaped iron core or permanent magnet as a rotor (rotor), a plurality of windings (coils) as a stator (stator), and is rotated by switching windings through which current flows. is there. That is, a current is passed through the windings of the stator to generate a magnetic force, and the rotor is rotated by attracting the rotor. Since the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle, it is used to drive the rotation of the reel of the slot machine. A plurality of windings constitute one phase. As the number of phases, for example, there are two (two phases), four (four phases), and five (five phases).

Next, game processing in the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG.
Generally, in a gaming machine, one game is started from the insertion of medals (insertion of credits) until the end of payout (or until the increase in the number of credits is completed). There is a rule that it is not possible to proceed to the next game until one game is finished.

  First, when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the start switch 134 is activated, and the processing of FIG. 4 is started.

  In step S1, the start switch 134 is turned on by operating the start switch 134. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S2.

  In step S2, a lottery process is performed by the main board 10. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S3.

  In step S3, the rotation of the first reel to the third reel starts. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S4.

  In step S4, when the stop button 140 is operated, the stop button 140 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S5.

  In step S5, rotation stop processing is performed on the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button 140 among the first to third reels. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S6.

  In step S6, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop button 140 corresponding to the three reels has been performed. If it is determined that all three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the three reels have been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S7.

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the lottery flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the lottery flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed. If it is determined that the winning is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S8. If the winning is not confirmed, no medals are paid out even if the lottery flag is established.

  In step S8, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out.

  The process from the insertion of the medal to the completion of the execution of step S8 is one game. When the standby process in step S8 ends, the process returns to the beginning of the flowchart. In other words, the next game is possible (transition to the next game).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the hardware configuration of the main board 10. The main board 10 is actually realized by the hardware configuration shown in FIG. That is, a CPU (processing device), a ROM (nonvolatile storage unit), a memory RWM (a readable / writable memory), an I / O (input / output device), a timer circuit TM, a BUS composed of a plurality of bits (wirings). Etc. are connected.

  The CPU shown in FIG. 5 executes a main process that repeatedly executes a plurality of processes in a predetermined order and an interrupt process that is performed at a predetermined interval in accordance with a predetermined program.

  The timer circuit TM interrupts the processing unit CPU at regular intervals, and is realized by hardware such as a dedicated IC, but may be realized by software (program). The I / O is an IC for communication processing, for example, and performs data communication according to a predetermined protocol. By setting an address and data in a register (not shown), communication with the sub board 20 is automatically performed.

  When the power is turned on, the CPU transmits data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM to the timer circuit TM via the data bus. The timer circuit TM determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU for each interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU executes interrupt processing such as monitoring of each sensor. For example, when the CPU system clock is set to 8 MHz, the timer circuit TM frequency dividing value is set to 1/256, and the ROM frequency dividing data is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1. 504 ms.

<Command transmission device>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of functions realized in the main board 10 and shows only parts related to the embodiment of the invention.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a command buffer that temporarily stores a predetermined number of commands. The command buffer 30 is a first-in first-out buffer (FIFO) that stores predetermined data (commands) and outputs the stored data in that order.

  Reference numeral 31 denotes a command generation unit that generates a predetermined command. Since the command generation procedure is known, the description thereof is omitted. Further, since the types and contents of commands are known, the description thereof is also omitted.

  A command writing unit 32 writes at least various commands to the command buffer 30.

  A command transmission unit 34 reads a predetermined command from the command buffer 30 and transmits it to the sub-board 20. The command transmission unit 34 is, for example, an IC for communication processing, starts processing at a predetermined interrupt timing, reads a command from the command buffer 30, and sends it to the sub-board 20.

  The command reception interval, that is, the interval between commands to be transmitted is between (minimum reception interval) and (maximum reception interval) (propagation time is ignored), and these are one of (time required for command confirmation). GAP2 (refer to FIG. 17 and its description to be described later) is determined to exist. Preferably, the command transmission interval is constant (for example, FIG. 10).

  A dummy command may be transmitted when the command transmission interval varies greatly. In this case, the command to be transmitted includes a regular command (received by the sub-board 20 and analyzed to perform predetermined processing) and a dummy command (received by the sub-board 20 but discarded, and any processing is performed). There is no one). The dummy command will be further described later. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, when “command” is simply written, it means a regular command.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the command buffer 30. The command buffer 30 is a first-in first-out buffer, but is configured as an annular ring buffer. Since the ring buffer is known, its description is omitted. After writing the command at the end (BF128) of the command buffer 30, the command writing unit 32 returns to the beginning (BF1) and continues writing the command. In the example of FIG. 7, the command buffer 30 has a 128-byte storage area (BF1 to BF128).

  FIG. 8A shows the structure of a command (regular command). The command is composed of a total of 5 bytes including a 4-byte command body and a checksum for storing the 4-byte checksum. The length of the command (regular command) is predetermined (the length of the regular command may be referred to as “reference length”. In the example of FIG. 8, “reference length” = 5 bytes).

  FIG. 8B shows the structure of the dummy command. The dummy command is composed of a total of 4 bytes including a 3-byte command body and a checksum for storing these 3-byte checksums.

  As will be described later, the dummy command is discarded in the sub-board 20 that has received the dummy command, and for this purpose, a structure different from the command (regular command) is adopted. In this respect, the dummy command may be anything as long as the main body is 1 byte or more and it is not 4 bytes of the regular command (in other words, it is not 5 bytes in total).

  However, it is preferable that the number of bytes of the dummy command satisfies the following condition.

(Condition 1) When two consecutive separate commands (regular command or dummy command) are received without a gap, the sub-board 20 determines that the command is a single command and discards it. As a result, the command may be lost ( For the gap, see FIG. 13 and the description thereof). In order to avoid this, the dummy command is made shorter than the gap so that when a command (regular command) is transmitted after the dummy command, a gap is generated between them on the receiving side. In the above example, the dummy command body may be any one of 1, 2, 3 bytes shorter than the command body 4 bytes. If it is long, there is a risk that the gap will disappear. In general, when the length of the gap between commands before inserting a dummy command is GAP (bytes), the dummy command length is smaller than GAP. Note that the command reception check is performed at a predetermined interval as will be described later, and an error corresponding to this interval occurs. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a margin corresponding to one or two of the intervals so as to provide a gap with certainty.

(Condition 2) If the above (Condition 1) is used, a gap is generated between the regular command and the dummy command. The dummy command is lengthened to such an extent that an illegal command cannot be inserted into this gap. In the example of (Condition 1) above, the dummy command body is 1, 2, or 3 bytes, so 3 bytes is preferable. Generally, normal command length> (GAP−dummy command length). (GAP-dummy command length) is the maximum length of the gap after the dummy command is inserted. The point of providing a margin is the same.

  Although the number of regular commands decreases and the processing load on the sub-board 20 increases, the length of the dummy command may be the same as the length of the regular command.

  Since the command buffer 30 is a ring buffer and uses a 4-byte area for one command (regular command), the command buffer 30 becomes full when 32 commands are written, and is overwritten thereafter. (Since it is sent before being overwritten, there is no problem).

  As the dummy command body, for example, arbitrary 3 bytes of the command buffer 30 are used. For example, the stored contents of BF1 to BF3 in FIG. 7 are used. Since the contents of the command buffer 30 are constantly updated, the contents of the dummy command also change. This makes it difficult to determine whether the command is a dummy command, and makes it difficult to cheat.

<Command transmission processing>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of command transmission processing of the main board 10. FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining command transmission timing. Hereinafter, command transmission processing according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings.

  In FIG. 10, T is an interval of interrupt processing, and is, for example, 1.5 ms. t1, t2, t3, t4,... are the start of the interrupt process (interrupt process start timing). The command transmission process of FIG. 9 is executed once every two times. For example, the command transmission process is started at t2 in FIG. 10 (the same is true at t4). The interval is 3 ms. For this reason, the transmission interval of commands (including dummy commands) is 3 ms. Whether a command (regular command) or a dummy command is transmitted at t2 or the like depends on the determination result of ST11 in FIG.

  The processing procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

ST10: The command transmission unit 34 determines whether it is command transmission timing.
If t2 and t4 in FIG. 10, YES is determined, and the process proceeds to ST11. If t1 and t3, NO is determined, and the process in FIG.

ST11: The command transmission unit 34 checks the command buffer 30 and determines whether there is an untransmitted command.
Whether or not there is an untransmitted command is determined based on, for example, the index of the ring buffer.

ST12: When there is an untransmitted command (YES in ST11), the command transmitter 34 reads the command (4 bytes) from the command buffer 30, obtains and adds a checksum thereof (FIG. 8 (a)), and sub-board 20 (for example, t2 in FIG. 10).

ST13: When there is no untransmitted command (NO in ST11), the command transmitter 34 reads out 3 bytes of data (for example, the first 3 bytes BF1 to BF3) from the command buffer 30, and obtains and adds the checksum thereof ( 8B), the data is transmitted to the sub board 20 (for example, t2 in FIG. 10).

  When the setting is changed to select the lottery table, the contents BF1 to BF128 of the command buffer 30 are all filled with zeros. For this reason, the dummy command generated based on the first three bytes BF1 to BF3 when the setting is changed is a special one in which all bits are 0. When such a special command is transmitted, an unauthorized person who intercepts communication from the main board 10 to the sub board 20 is easily made aware that the game machine is changing the setting. Since this is not preferable, it is preferable that the transmission of the dummy command is performed after the setting change is completed and after the regular command is generated and at least BF1 to BF3 of the command buffer 30 are other than zero. This will be explained again later.

<Command receiving device>
Next, the command receiving device will be described. In the description of the command receiving device (sub-board 20), “command” is different from the above, and includes both regular commands and dummy commands unless otherwise specified. Since it is after the determination process (ST22 in FIG. 12) that the regular command and the dummy command can be distinguished on the receiving side, the received command can be treated as either a regular command or a dummy command. It is reasonable.

  The sub board 20 has the same configuration as that of the main board 10 (FIG. 5). That is, a CPU (processing device), a ROM (nonvolatile storage unit), a memory RWM (a readable / writable memory), an I / O (input / output device), a timer circuit TM, a BUS composed of a plurality of bits (wirings). Etc. are connected.

  The CPU of the sub-board 20 executes a main process that repeatedly executes a plurality of processes in a predetermined order and an interrupt process that is performed at a predetermined interval according to a predetermined program.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of functions realized in the sub-board 20, and shows only parts related to the embodiment of the invention.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes a command receiving unit that receives a command received from the main board 10. The command receiving unit 40 is, for example, an IC for communication processing, and automatically receives commands.

  A reception buffer 41 temporarily stores commands received by the command reception unit 40. The reception buffer 41 is a first-in first-out buffer (FIFO) that stores predetermined data (commands) and outputs the stored data in that order.

  The reception buffer 41 can also be configured by a memory IC such as a FIFO. Alternatively, it can be constituted by a plurality of memories. For example, a CPU internal register or memory is a reception buffer (part 1), a part of memory accessed by a program is a reception buffer (part 2) and a reception buffer (part 3), and these reception buffers (part 1) to (No. 3) The reception buffer 41 may be configured as a whole. For example, a command from the main board 10 is first stored in the reception buffer (part 1), then stored in the reception buffer (part 2), and then stored in the reception buffer (part 3).

  Reference numeral 42 denotes a command analysis unit that reads and analyzes a command from the reception buffer 41 and sends the command to the CPU of the sub-board 20. For example, the command analysis unit 42 starts processing at a predetermined interrupt timing (for example, command reception check timing in FIG. 13).

<Command reception process (part 1)>
FIG. 12 is a process flowchart of the command receiving unit 40. This process is executed, for example, at check timings t10 to t21 in FIG.

ST191: The reception status is determined.
For example, when the signal input to the command receiving unit 40 is changing, reception is performed, and when there is no change, reception is not performed.

ST192: When reception is present, a “reception present” signal indicating that is generated and output to the command analysis unit 42, for example.

ST193: The command receiving unit 40 extracts data from the changing signal and stores it in the receiving buffer 41. Since the above command uses bytes as a unit, data is stored for each byte. Since the data extraction process is known, the description thereof is omitted.

ST194: When there is no reception, a “no reception” signal indicating that is generated and output to the command analysis unit 42, for example.

<Command reception process (2)>
FIG. 13 shows a process for determining a command, that is, a process for determining whether or not all data composing the command has been received, and for receiving these data into the command analysis unit 42 for analysis as a single unit. It is. Determining that all data composing the command has been received is referred to as “command confirmation”. The processing in FIG. 13 will be specifically described later with reference to FIG.

  The entire process in FIG. 13 corresponds to ST20 in FIG. 14 (“No reception” in ST201, “Coefficient value ≦ Threshold” in ST203 corresponds to “NO” in ST20).

  The process in FIG. 13 is executed, for example, at check timings t10 to t21 in FIG.

ST201: The command analysis unit 42 determines the reception status.
Since ST192 or ST194 in FIG. 12 sends a signal “with reception” or “without reception”, the reception status is determined as “with reception” or “without reception” based on this signal.

ST202: The command analysis unit 42 counts the number of “no reception”. In this case, it is assumed that consecutive “no reception” is counted. For example, the count value becomes twice at t12 and t13 in FIG. When “Received” is set, the count value is reset. For example, the count value becomes 4 at t15 in FIG. 15, but returns to 0 at t16. This count value corresponds to the GAP time described later (see FIG. 17 and its description).

  ST202 corresponds to comparing a period in which a signal without reception continues (hereinafter referred to as “duration” or “number of times without reception”) with a predetermined time. For example, a period obtained by multiplying consecutive “no reception” count values by an interval of the command reception check timing can be set as the duration. In the following description, for convenience of description, a period in which a signal without reception continues is simply referred to as “duration”.

ST203: The command analysis unit 42 compares the count value with a threshold value.
When the coefficient value is equal to or greater than the threshold value or exceeds the threshold value, ST204 is executed. Otherwise, the process is terminated.

  The threshold corresponds to GAP2 described later. This will be described later.

ST204: The command analysis unit 42 reads a command from the reception buffer 41.
The reception buffer 41 stores received data that has not yet been read out, and therefore reads them. These data are data stored after being read in ST204 when it is determined that the count value> threshold value in S203 when the previous command is confirmed. The entire data constitutes one command. Whether or not this command is appropriate is determined by the processing of FIG. In the example of FIG. 15, the command is read at t13 and t19.

  In the case where no reception continues, the coefficient value> threshold value in ST203, but in this case, since there is no data in the reception buffer 41, ST204 is skipped. In the example of FIG. 15, ST204 is skipped at t14 and t15.

<Command reception processing (part 3)>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of command reception processing of the sub-board 20. 15 and 16 are timing charts for explaining command reception timing. Hereinafter, command transmission processing according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings.

  Reference numerals in FIGS. 15 and 16 will be described.

  tm1 and tm5 are command transmission start timings in the main board 10.

  tm2 and tm6 are command transmission end timings in the main board 10.

  ts1 and ts5 are command reception start timings in the sub-board 20.

  ts2 and ts6 are command reception end timings in the sub-board 20.

  The difference between tm1 and ts1 corresponds to the command propagation time. The reception status under the command reception box of the sub-board 20 indicates the reception status of the command receiving unit 40.

  t10 to t21 are command reception check timings by the command analysis unit 42. This interval is determined according to the command transmission timing (3 ms) of the main board 10 and is, for example, 500 μs. The command reception check results “received” and “not received” below are determination results as to whether or not a command has been received from t10 to t21.

  GAP is a period (gap) during which no data is received.

  When receiving a command from the main board 10, the command receiving unit 40 writes it in the reception buffer 41 in the order received. For example, a total of 5 bytes of data is written to the reception buffer 41 from ts1 to ts2.

  The command analysis unit 42 performs command reception check at t10 (FIG. 12).

  Alternatively, since new data is written in the reception buffer 41 at t10 as compared to the previous reception check (not shown), the command analysis unit 42 can determine that “reception is present”. This determination is made based on the index position of the reception buffer 41, for example.

  The command analysis unit 42 performs a command reception check at t11. However, since new data is received between t10 and ts2, and this is written in the reception buffer 41, the command analysis unit 42 determines that “reception is present”. .

  The command analysis unit 42 performs a command reception check at t12. Since the data in the reception buffer 41 is not changed from that at t11, the command analysis unit 42 determines “no reception”.

  The same applies after t13.

  To confirm the command, a period from the command reception start ts1 to t13 when the command is not confirmed is required (the same applies to others).

  As can be seen from FIG. 13, the time required for command confirmation (ts1 to t13) is longer than the actual command reception time (ts1 to ts2). For example, it is about twice as long as the command reception check timing interval (500 μs).

  On the other hand, the period of “no reception” by the command reception check is shorter than the actual no reception time of the command (ts2 to ts5, gap GAP). In order to correctly receive a command, at least one “no reception” period (at least two in the following example) is required between a plurality of commands. The length of the dummy command is selected so as to satisfy this condition (see (Condition 1) above).

  The processing procedure will be described with reference to FIG. This process is started at a timing from t10 to t21.

ST20: The command analysis unit 42 determines whether a command has been received.
This process consists of ST201 to ST204 in FIG.
The command is received (YES) when the coefficient value> threshold value in ST203 (t13, t19 in FIG. 15). In other cases, for example, when “reception is present”, since the command is being received and the command has not been received, the command is not received (NO). The same applies when “no reception” continues (NO). In this case, no data is received.

  If “YES”, the process proceeds to ST21. If “NO”, the process of FIG. 12 is terminated.

ST21: The command analysis unit 42 reads the received command from the reception buffer 41, examines its configuration, and checks its length.
The command (regular command) is 5 bytes including a checksum. The dummy command is 4 bytes including the checksum.

  As will be described later, in the case of an illegal command, a plurality of commands are combined to be longer than 5 bytes (see FIG. 16 and the description thereof).

ST22: The command analysis unit 42 determines whether the command length is appropriate.
In the above example, the appropriate length (reference length) is 5 bytes. “YES” for 5 bytes, “NO” for other length commands. 4 bytes or less and 6 bytes or more are both “NO”.

ST23: When “YES” in ST22, the command analysis unit 42 analyzes the command and passes the analysis result to the CPU of the sub-board 20. Since the analysis process is publicly known, a description thereof is omitted.

ST24: When “NO” in ST22, the command analysis unit 42 discards the command. The command is not passed to the CPU and does not affect the processing of the sub-board 20. “NO” is, for example, a dummy command, the length of which is 4 bytes, and the reference length ≠ 4 bytes. Or it is an illegal command combined with another command, and its length is 10 bytes or more.

  In FIG. 12, “command discard” processing is shown to clarify the significance of processing when “NO” in ST22, but “command discard” refers to passing this command to the next processing. It means not holding or holding. Actually, the process 12 may be terminated without doing anything. That is, the process of ST24 is unnecessary.

  A specific example of the processing of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 shows a case where there is no illegal command.

  At t10 and t11, “Received” is indicated at ST201 of FIG. 13, but “Not received” is indicated at t12 to t15. If threshold value = 1, since count value = 1 at t12, “count value ≦ threshold value” is satisfied in ST203, and ST204 is not executed. Since the count value = 2 at t13, “count value> threshold” is set in ST203, and ST204 is executed. This confirms the command. The command read in ST204 (received in ts1 to ts2) is analyzed by the command analysis unit 42. That is, ST21 and subsequent steps in FIG. 14 are executed. Since the command (received at ts1 to ts2) is a regular command, YES and S23 are executed at ST22.

  A specific example of the process of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 shows a case where an illegal command exists.

  At t10 and t11, “Received” is indicated at ST201 in FIG. 13, but “Not received” at t12. If threshold value = 1, since count value = 1 at t12, “count value ≦ threshold value” is satisfied in ST203, and ST204 is not executed.

  Since there is an illegal command received at tx1 to tx2, it becomes “Received” again at t13. Here, the count value is reset.

  Since the count value = 1 at t15, “count value ≦ threshold” is satisfied in ST203, and ST204 is not executed.

  For the first time at t19, the count value = 2, and in ST203, “count value> threshold”, and ST204 is executed. This confirms the command. The command read in ST204 is analyzed by the command analysis unit 42.

  What is read at t19 is a combination of the commands from ts to ts2 and ts5 to ts6 and the illegal commands from tx1 to tx2. Since these data remain in the reception buffer 41, all of them are a group of data and are handled as one command. Therefore, the command read at t19 is very long (15 bytes), and becomes “NO” in ST22 of FIG. 14 and discarded.

  The case where the reception buffer 41 includes a plurality of memories (the above-described reception buffers (part 1) to (part 3)) will be supplemented.

  The command sent from the main board 10 is first automatically stored in the reception buffer (part 1) inside the CPU of the sub board 20 in accordance with the reception process of the CPU.

  The received command is moved from the CPU including the reception buffer (part 1) to the reception buffer (part 2) in the memory by software processing. Specifically, when the command is stored in the reception buffer (part 1) at the command reception timing (the command reception check result is received), the command is sent from the reception buffer (part 1) to the reception buffer (part 2). Is moved.

  When there is no command stored in the reception buffer (part 1) and the reception command check result repeats no reception twice, one command is determined. At this time, the command length stored in the reception buffer (part 2) is determined (ST22). If the command length is normal, the command is moved to the reception buffer (part 3) and analyzed (ST23).

  In this example, the reception buffer 41 is composed of a plurality of memories, and the command length is determined while moving between them, but it may be configured in this way. In this case, it may be considered that the reception buffer 41 includes a part of the command analysis unit 42. The determination of the command length can be performed based on the output of a temporary buffer provided in the command receiver 40, or can be performed in the reception buffer 41 as described above. Alternatively, it may be performed when the command analysis unit 42 receives a command.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, since reading from the reception buffer 41 is performed when the coefficient value of ST203> threshold, the data transmission path from the main board to the sub board is illegally accessed, and the notification is illegally performed. It is possible to prevent so-called goto action.

  That is, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the sub-board compares the duration of the signal without reception with the threshold (GAP2), and reads out the command when the duration is longer than the threshold. A plurality of commands with narrow gaps (including dummy commands and illegal commands) are stored together in the reception buffer 41 and read out as one command. That is, an illegal command is combined with a command before and / or after the command. Then, the length of the command is checked, and when the command length is different from a predetermined reference length, the command is discarded. Therefore, a plurality of commands having a narrower gap than usual are discarded (invalid When a simple command is inserted, the gap becomes narrower than usual). Thereby, it is possible to prevent an illegal command from being treated like a regular command on the sub-board.

  For example, when a predetermined winning combination is won, a specific symbol combination is displayed by performing a stop operation in the correct pressing order, and the replay is highly probable based on the display of this specific symbol combination. It is possible to prevent fraud with respect to a command for making a winning order notification in which the winning combination is notified in this state. In order for the fraudster to notify the correct beating order, information (command) that the specific winning role has been won cannot be sent from the fraudulent board to the sub-board, and the fraudulent person cannot perform stop operation in the correct beating order. , You can not get a profit from winning a small payout.

  The embodiment of the present invention does not provide “a chance for a fraudster”. Since a part of the gap GAP is used for command confirmation as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the gap between commands is narrowed. For this reason, an illegal command cannot be sent in this narrow gap. When an illegal command is sent through this gap GAP, the commands cannot be separated as shown in FIG. 16, and a plurality of commands are concatenated and interpreted. Since the command length exceeds the normal length (5 bytes), it is determined to be abnormal, and the command is discarded and not executed. A fraudster cannot gain an unfair advantage.

  In the embodiment of the invention, a dummy command is transmitted in order to make the command reception interval of the sub-board 20 constant, but this dummy command is shorter than the regular command. Problem 1 does not occur. Since the command length distinguishes regular commands from dummy commands, the types of regular commands are not reduced, and the processing load of command analysis is not increased.

  According to Patent Document 1, it is possible to prevent unauthorized transmission of command data, but there are problems (1) and (2) described above.

  (1) is “reduced command types”, but according to the embodiment of the invention, the command length distinguishes regular commands and dummy commands, so a specific code (eg, 10H) is assigned to a dummy command. Does not need to be assigned, so there is no reduction in code that can be used for regular commands.

  (2) is that “the dummy command must be analyzed in the same way as the regular command (otherwise, the two cannot be distinguished from each other)”, but according to the embodiment of the invention, the regular command and the dummy command are based on the command length. Are distinguished from each other by the difference in structure before command analysis. Therefore, there is no problem that the processing load of the CPU increases for command analysis.

<Examination of “Threshold”>
Next, with reference to FIG. 17, a method for determining the threshold value in FIG. 13 will be examined. By appropriately setting the threshold value, it is possible to prevent illegal command data from being transmitted.

  Assuming that the command reception interval is within a certain range, the minimum value is the minimum reception interval, and the maximum value is the maximum reception interval. FIG. 17A shows a timing chart at the minimum reception interval, and FIG. 17B shows a timing chart at the maximum reception interval. GAP is a gap between commands other than illegal commands. GAP2 corresponds to a threshold value. GAP2 is actually a discrete value with the interval of the command reception check timing as a unit, but here it is assumed to be a continuous value for simplicity of explanation.

  FIG. 17B shows a boundary example of whether or not an illegal command is combined. That is, FIG. 17B shows the minimum GAP2 for connecting illegal commands. If GAP2 becomes slightly shorter than this, an illegal command is treated as a regular command.

  In FIG. 13, the threshold value is a natural number, which corresponds to the fact that command reception is performed at regular intervals and time is measured in units of the intervals. Therefore, time is the basis of the determination in ST203 of FIG. The threshold (time) needs to satisfy the following conditions.

(Condition 3) A regular command cannot be accidentally combined and discarded.

(Condition 4) An illegal command is not mistakenly recognized as a regular command. In other words, an illegal command inserted into the gap GAP is always combined with an adjacent regular command (or dummy command).

<Examination of (Condition 3)>
FIG. 17A shows a state where commands are not combined. According to FIG. 17A, the following relationship is established. In this section, “command” refers to both regular commands and dummy commands.
(Time required for command confirmation) = (Command reception time) + GAP2
(Time required for command confirmation) <(Minimum reception interval)

  When a dummy command is included, due to the difference in command length (command reception time) differs between the regular command and the dummy command, but for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed here that the two are the same (more accurate examination). When doing so, it is better to calculate the expected value of the reception time based on the respective reception probabilities).

From the above formula,
(Command reception time) + GAP2 <(Minimum reception interval)
GAP2 <(minimum reception interval)-(command reception time)

  If GAP2 (threshold value) is determined as described above, the next command is received after the time required for command confirmation has elapsed, so that the regular command is not erroneously combined and discarded.

<Examination of (Condition 4)>
According to FIG. 17B, the following relationship is established.
(Command reception time) + GAP2 + (illegal command reception time) + GAP2 = (maximum command reception interval)

The illegal command is intended to execute itself as a regular command and has the same structure as the regular command, so (command reception time) = (illegal command reception time). Therefore,
GAP2 = (maximum command reception interval) / 2− (command reception time)
Is obtained.

Since GAP2 in FIG. 17B shows the minimum value that satisfies (Condition 4), the conditions that GAP2 should satisfy are as follows (the boundary value is not included).
GAP2> (Maximum command reception interval) / 2- (Command reception time)

  If GAP2 (threshold value) is determined as described above, the time required for command confirmation spans multiple commands (including illegal commands), and illegal commands are always combined with commands before or after that. Are no longer recognized as regular commands.

  Note that, when the determination is made based on the “number of times of non-reception”, the quotient when GAP2 is divided by the interval of the command reception check timing is the threshold (number threshold). In the example described above, the number threshold is = 2.

  Note that even if the command reception interval is not constant, the processing according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied as long as the fluctuation range is within a range in which GAP2 that simultaneously satisfies (Condition 3) and (Condition 4) can exist. be able to. Therefore, it is not essential to send a dummy command.

  When (Maximum command reception interval) increases and (Minimum command reception interval) decreases, that is, when the fluctuation range of the command reception interval increases, (Condition 3) and (Condition 4) can be satisfied simultaneously. Disappear. In this case, it is necessary to reduce the difference between (maximum command reception interval) and (minimum command reception interval) (for example, a dummy command). Although it is not essential that (maximum command reception interval) and (minimum command reception interval) coincide with each other, it may be so.

<When command reception interval is constant>
When the command reception interval is almost constant, that is, (minimum command reception interval) ≒ (maximum command reception interval), if these are (command reception interval),
(Command reception interval) / 2- (Command reception time) <GAP2 <(Command reception interval)-(Command reception time)
It becomes.

  As can be seen from this equation, if the command reception interval is constant, there is always GAP2 that satisfies both (Condition 3) and (Condition 4) at the same time (where (Reception interval of command) ≠ 0).

  Let us calculate GAP2 (threshold) based on the example of FIG. In the following example, the determination is made based on “the number of non-receptions”, and the following numerical value is a count value in units of command reception check timing intervals. In the example of FIG. 15, (command reception interval) = 6 and (command reception time) = 2 (the command reception check timing interval is set to 1, for example, 1 unit = t11−t10).

(Command reception interval) / 2− (Command reception time) = 6 ÷ 2-2 = 1
(Command reception interval)-(Command reception time) = 6-2 = 4
1 <GAP2 <4, so GAP2 = 2 or 3.

  The example of FIG. 15 shows an example of GAP2 = 2, but according to FIG. 15, it can be understood that (condition 3) is satisfied even when GAP2 = 3. Moreover, according to FIG. 16, it can be understood that (condition 4) is satisfied even when GAP2 = 3.

<Processing at the time of recovery from power interruption>
The command transmission is executed at regular intervals T as shown in FIG. This interval T is determined in advance so that a gap is generated between commands when the sub-board 20 is received. With this gap, it is possible to determine that the reception of the command has been completed, specifically, YES in ST20 of FIG. Without this gap, a plurality of commands are mistaken as one command on the sub-board 20, resulting in an excessive number of messages (the number of bytes is larger than a predetermined number), resulting in an error.

  In normal cases, command transmission is performed at a constant interval T. However, in certain cases, for example, when the game machine is turned off and then turned on again, this interval may be May collapse.

  This will be described with reference to FIG. When the power supply is restored, a predetermined restoration process is executed and an interrupt is generated by the timer, but the interruption is prohibited during the restoration process from the power interruption (from tA to tB). Ts1 and ts2 during this period are not executed even if they are interrupt timings. The interrupt is resumed at the time tB when the interrupt prohibition is released, and the interrupt process is executed at t2 '. ts2 'is not the same as ts2, and there is a time difference α between them. In the example of FIG. 18, ts2 ′ is later than ts2, and as a result, the interval from the interrupt start timing ts3 by the next interrupt processing is shorter by α than the normal interval (short interval = T−α). .

  As shown in FIG. 18, since an interrupt prohibition period is set when returning from a power failure, the command transmission interval immediately after the cancellation is broken. The interrupt restart timing is indefinite, and is not synchronized with the interrupt processing start timing such as ts1. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 18, the interval of interrupt processing may be shorter than usual. As a result, there is no gap, and there is a possibility that an excessive telegram error may occur in the sub-board 20.

  In order to avoid the above problem, as shown in FIG. 19, the command transmission process is not executed at the first interrupt start timing ts2 ′ after the return from power interruption, and the command is transmitted at the second and subsequent interrupt start timings ts3. Execute the process. Since the command transmission interval T (3 ms) is maintained, an excessive message error does not occur in the sub-board 20.

  Note that the process of “not executing the command transmission process at the first interrupt start timing after the return from power interruption” in FIG. 19 can be applied even when a dummy command is not transmitted. In this case as well, the occurrence of an excessive message error can be prevented.

<Temporary suspension of dummy command generation when setting is changed>
When the gaming machine is turned on, the main process starts. The setting change process is performed first after the initial setting. As described above, in the lottery table selection process, it is determined which lottery table to use for the internal lottery among a plurality of lottery tables stored in a storage means (ROM) (not shown). Is for setting which lottery table to use. The power of the gaming machine is turned on by the hall clerk opening the front door of the gaming machine and turning on the internal power switch. At that time, the setting change process is executed by operating the setting change switch. The If the setting change switch is not operated, the setting change process is skipped. Since the setting change process is publicly known, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the setting for selecting the lottery table is changed, the contents BF1 to BF128 of the command buffer 30 are all filled with zeros. For this reason, the dummy command generated based on the first three bytes BF1 to BF3 when the setting is changed becomes a special one in which all bits are 0, which is not preferable.

  Therefore, the generation and transmission of the dummy command is performed after the setting change is completed and after the regular command is generated and at least BF1 to BF3 of the command buffer 30 are other than zero. Specifically, the dummy command is generated only when it is confirmed that a predetermined number (for example, one or more) of regular commands have been generated. Whether or not a regular command has been generated can be determined based on the index of the command buffer 30. Alternatively, time measurement may be started with a timer at the end of setting change, and a dummy command may be generated when a predetermined time has elapsed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Main board | substrate 20 Sub board | substrate 30 Command buffer 31 Command production | generation part 32 Command writing part 34 Command transmission part 40 Command reception part 41 Reception buffer 42 Command analysis part

Claims (8)

In a gaming machine comprising a main board that performs processing related to games, and a sub-board that performs processing related to effects based on commands from the main board,
A command for causing the sub-board to perform a predetermined process is transmitted from the main board to the sub-board.
The length of the command is predetermined (hereinafter, the length of the command for causing the sub-substrate to perform a predetermined process is referred to as “reference length”),
The main board is
A command transmission unit that transmits the command to the sub-board at a predetermined interval;
The sub-board is
A command receiver for receiving the command received from the main board;
A reception buffer for storing the command received by the command receiver;
A command analysis unit that reads and analyzes the command from the reception buffer and causes the sub-board to perform a predetermined process;
The command reception unit checks the reception status of the command, stores the command in the reception buffer when the command is received, and outputs a signal indicating no reception when the command is not received,
The command analysis unit
When the non-reception signal is received from the command receiving unit, the period during which the non-reception signal continues (hereinafter referred to as “duration”) is compared with a predetermined threshold value,
When the duration is equal to or longer than the threshold, examine the length of the command;
When the length of the command matches a predetermined reference length, the command is analyzed to cause the sub-board to perform a predetermined process,
A gaming machine, wherein when the length of the command is different from a predetermined reference length, the command is discarded. The minimum value of the command reception interval is the minimum reception interval, and the maximum value is the maximum reception interval.
The time required to receive the command is the command reception time,
(Threshold) <(minimum reception interval) − (command reception time),
And,
(Threshold)> (Maximum reception interval) / 2− (Command reception time)
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the threshold value is set so that The command transmission unit executes the command transmission process at a timing that occurs at a predetermined interval.
Suppose that the command reception interval is substantially constant,
The time required to receive the command is the command reception time,
(Threshold value) <(reception interval) − (command reception time),
And,
(Threshold)> (Reception interval) / 2- (Command reception time)
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the threshold value is set so that In a gaming machine comprising a main board that performs processing related to games, and a sub-board that performs processing related to effects based on commands from the main board,
A command for causing the sub-board to perform a predetermined process is transmitted from the main board to the sub-board.
The length of the command is predetermined (hereinafter, the length of the command for causing the sub-substrate to perform a predetermined process is referred to as “reference length”),
The main board is
A command transmission unit that transmits the command to the sub-board at a predetermined interval;
The sub-board is
A command receiver for receiving the command received from the main board;
A reception buffer for storing the command received by the command receiver;
A command analysis unit that reads and analyzes the command from the reception buffer and causes the sub-board to perform a predetermined process;
The command reception unit checks the reception status of the command, stores the command in the reception buffer when the command is received, and outputs a signal indicating no reception when the command is not received,
The command analysis unit
It is determined whether or not the non-reception signal has been received from the command reception unit at a command reception check timing at a predetermined interval, and the number of times that the non-reception has been determined is counted continuously. Compare no-recess times ”) with a predetermined number threshold,
When the non-reception continuation count is equal to or greater than the count threshold, check the length of the command,
When the length of the command matches a predetermined reference length, the command is analyzed to cause the sub-board to perform a predetermined process,
A gaming machine, wherein when the length of the command is different from a predetermined reference length, the command is discarded. The minimum value of the command reception interval is the minimum reception interval, and the maximum value is the maximum reception interval.
The time required to receive the command is the command reception time,
(Threshold) <(minimum reception interval) − (command reception time),
And,
(Threshold)> (Maximum reception interval) / 2− (Command reception time)
The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein a threshold value is defined so that the threshold value is divided by the command reception check timing interval, and the quotient is set as the number-of-times threshold value. The command transmission unit executes the command transmission process at a timing that occurs at a predetermined interval.
Suppose that the command reception interval is substantially constant,
The time required to receive the command is the command reception time,
(Threshold value) <(reception interval) − (command reception time),
And,
(Threshold)> (Reception interval) / 2- (Command reception time)
The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein a threshold value is defined so that the threshold value is divided by the command reception check timing interval, and the quotient is set as the number-of-times threshold value. A dummy command that does not cause the sub-board to perform any processing is transmitted from the main board to the sub-board together with the command for performing a predetermined process (“regular command” in this section). ,
The length of the dummy command is shorter than the length of the regular command,
The command transmission unit of the main board is
When the regular command to be transmitted exists, the regular command is transmitted to the sub-board,
7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when there is no regular command to be transmitted, the dummy command is transmitted to the sub-board. The command transmission unit executes the command transmission process at a timing that occurs at a predetermined interval.
The main board is provided with a prohibition section for prohibiting the transmission of the command when returning from a power-off.
The command transmission unit does not execute the command transmission process at the first timing after the end of the prohibited section, and executes the command transmission process at the second and subsequent timings. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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